Biopsy devices and related methods of use

ABSTRACT

A biopsy device may include a first jaw having a first distal tip configured to pierce tissue, and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between a closed configuration where the first jaw and the second jaw are axially aligned, and an open configuration where the first jaw and the second jaw are offset from one another, the second jaw having a second distal tip proximal to the first distal tip in the closed configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/425,763, filed on Nov. 23, 2016, theentirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various examples of the present disclosure relate generally to biopsydevices and related methods of use.

BACKGROUND

Physicians often need to take biopsies of growths located beyond thewalls of a body lumen. Currently, fine needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsyneedles are used to take coring samples of the growth tissue (e.g.,cysts, nodules, infections, and inflammations, among others), and thetissue around it. One issue faced by these conventional devices is thatthe structure of certain tissues may make tissue samples difficult toacquire. Additionally, a substantial amount of non-targeted tissue isundesirably biopsied using conventional devices. Further, samples takenfrom traditional needle biopsies (e.g., coring) often fail to preservethe structure of the growth tissue, which could otherwise providevaluable diagnostic information. Still further, coring may be ill suitedfor taking samples of fibrous tumor tissue.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect the present disclosure is directed to a biopsy device thatmay include a first jaw having a first distal tip configured to piercetissue, and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between aclosed configuration where the first jaw and the second jaw are axiallyaligned, and an open configuration where the first jaw and the secondjaw are offset from one another, the second jaw having a second distaltip proximal to the first distal tip in the closed configuration.

When viewed from a position distal to the biopsy device along a centrallongitudinal axis of the biopsy device, the second distal tip may beconcealed from view by the first jaw. When viewed from a position distalto the biopsy device along a central longitudinal axis of the biopsydevice, the entirety of the second jaw may be concealed from view by thefirst jaw. When viewed from a position distal to the biopsy device alonga central longitudinal axis of the biopsy device, both the first distaltip and the second distal tip may be in view. The first jaw may includea first cavity facing the second jaw, the second jaw may include asecond cavity facing the first jaw, and when the biopsy device is in theclosed configuration, the first cavity and the second cavity may form anenclosed volume. The biopsy device may include a protrusion having asharp distal tip extending from a base of the first cavity toward thesecond jaw, and an opening disposed through an outer surface of thesecond jaw and in communication with the enclosed volume. The biopsydevice may include a sharp rim extending from the second cavity towardthe first jaw, the sharp rim extending at least partially around acircumference of the second cavity. The protrusion may be aligned withand/or received by the opening when the biopsy device is in the closedconfiguration. The second jaw may include a tang, and the biopsy devicemay include a clevis having a longitudinally-extending slot, a first pinconfigured to slide within the longitudinally-extending slot, a firstlink coupled to the tang of the second jaw at a first joint, the firstlink being configured to pivot about the first pin, and a pushing memberconfigured to push the first pin within the longitudinally-extendingslot. The pushing member may be configured to push the first pin from afirst position in the longitudinally-extending slot when the biopsydevice is in the closed configuration, distally to a second position inthe longitudinally-extending slot to move the biopsy device to the openconfiguration. The biopsy device may include a second pin coupled to thesecond jaw, the second jaw being configured to pivot about the secondpin, and the first link may be configured to pivot about the first pinin a first direction while the first pin is pushed distally by thepushing member, causing the second jaw to pivot about the second pin ina second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The firstjaw may include a tang, and the biopsy device may include a second linkcoupled to the tang of the first jaw at a second joint, the second linkbeing configured to pivot about the first pin, and the first jaw beingconfigured to pivot about the second pin, and the second link may beconfigured to pivot about the first pin in the second direction whilethe first pin is pushed distally by the pushing member, causing thefirst jaw to pivot about the second pin in the first direction. Thefirst jaw and the second jaw may both be movable relative to alongitudinal axis of the biopsy device. The first jaw may be fixedrelative to a longitudinal axis of the biopsy device, and the second jawmay be movable relative to the longitudinal axis of the biopsy device.The first jaw may include a plurality of beveled surfaces that lead tothe first distal tip, and the second jaw may include a plurality ofbeveled surfaces that lead to the second distal tip. The biopsy devicemay include one or more sharp teeth disposed on at least one of thefirst jaw and the second jaw.

In yet another example, the present disclosure is directed to a biopsydevice that may include an elongate member extending from a proximal endto a distal end, the elongate member including a lumen extending fromthe proximal end toward the distal end, a tip at the distal endconfigured to pierce tissue, and at least one opening extending througha side surface of the elongate member, an actuating member extendingfrom a proximal end toward a distal end, through the lumen of theelongate member, and at least one flexible band coupled to the distalend of the actuating member and to the distal end of the elongatemember, the at least one flexible band being configured to transitionbetween a radially-collapsed configuration and a radially-expandedconfiguration as the flexible band moves radially outward of theopening.

When the at least one flexible band is in the radially-collapsedconfiguration, distal movement of the actuating member may be configuredto transition the at least one flexible band toward theradially-expanded configuration, and when the at least one flexible bandis in the radially-expanded configuration, proximal movement of theactuating member may be configured to transition the at least oneflexible band back toward the radially-collapsed configuration. When theat least one flexible band is in the radially-collapsed configuration, aportion of the at least one flexible band may be disposed within thelumen proximal to a proximal end of the at least one opening. The biopsydevice may include an energy generator configured to deliverelectrocautery or RF energy to the at least one flexible band, and theactuating member may be configured to deliver the electrocautery energyor the RF energy from the energy generator to the at least one flexibleband.

In yet another example, the present disclosure is directed to a biopsydevice that may include an outer elongate member extending from aproximal end to a distal end, the outer elongate member including afirst lumen extending from the proximal end toward the distal end, aninner elongate member extending from a proximal end to a distal end, andthrough the first lumen of the outer elongate member, the inner elongatemember including a second lumen, an actuating member extending from aproximal end to a distal end, through the second lumen of the innerelongate member, a tip configured to pierce tissue at the distal end ofthe actuating member, and at least one flexible band coupled to thedistal end of the inner elongate member, and to the tip, the at leastone flexible band being configured to transition between aradially-collapsed configuration and a radially-expanded configuration.

In yet another example, the present disclosure is directed to a biopsydevice that may include a distal tip configured to pierce tissue, amovable arm proximal to the distal tip, the movable arm having a freeproximal end and a distal end, the movable arm being configured to pivotrelative to a longitudinal axis of the biopsy device about the distalend of the movable arm.

The biopsy device may include a link, and the movable arm may beconfigured to pivot relative to the longitudinal axis via movement ofthe link distally and pivoting of the link. The distal end of themovable arm may include a gear, and the biopsy device further mayinclude an actuating member having a rack gear in communication with thegear of the movable arm. Proximal movement of the actuating member maycause the proximal end of the movable arm to extend radially away fromthe longitudinal axis, and distal movement of the actuating member maycause the proximal end of the movable arm to move toward thelongitudinal axis.

In yet another example, the present disclosure is directed to a biopsydevice that may include a first assembly having a support and aplurality of first tips extending distally from the support andconfigured to pierce tissue, the plurality of first tips beingcircumferentially spaced apart from one another, and a second assemblyhaving an elongate member and a plurality of second tips extendingdistally from the elongate member and configured to pierce tissue, theplurality of second tips being circumferentially spaced apart from oneanother, wherein the first assembly and the second assembly arecollinear, the elongate member of the second assembly extends throughthe support of the first assembly, and the first tips and the secondtips alternate with one another about a central longitudinal axis of thebiopsy device.

The biopsy device may include a drive coupled to at least one of thefirst assembly and the second assembly, the drive being configured tocause the first assembly and the second assembly to longitudinallyoscillate relative to one another.

In yet another example, the present disclosure is directed to a biopsydevice that may include a needle extending from a proximal end toward adistal end, the needle having a first lumen extending from the proximalend toward the distal end, and a piercing member extending through thefirst lumen and having a tip at a distal end of the piercing memberconfigured to pierce tissue, the piercing member may include a secondlumen extending through the piercing member, at least one openingdisposed through an outer surface of the piercing member and incommunication with the second lumen, and at least one expandable memberextending from the outer surface of the piercing member adjacent to theat least one opening, the at least one expandable member being biasedtoward a radially-expanded configuration, wherein when the piercingmember is disposed within the needle, the at least one expandable memberis constrained by the needle in a radially-collapsed configuration, whenthe piercing member extends distally of the distal end of the needle,the at least one expandable member is configured to expand to theradially-expanded configuration, and rotation of the piercing memberabout a central longitudinal axis causes the at least one expandablemember to collect tissue within the at least one opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate various examples and togetherwith the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosedexamples.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a biopsy device according to an example of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are side cross-sectional views of a portion of the biopsydevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the biopsy device of FIG.1.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic views of a biopsy device according to anexample of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are partial side cross-sectional views of a biopsy deviceaccording to another example of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9 and 9A are partial side cross-sectional views of a biopsy deviceaccording to another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the biopsy device of FIGS. 9 and 9A.

FIGS. 11 and 11A are partial side cross-sectional views of a biopsydevice according to another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the biopsy device of FIGS. 11 and 11A.

FIGS. 13, 13A, 14, 14A, 15, and 16 are partial side cross-sectionalviews of biopsy devices according to various examples of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a biopsy device according to an exampleof the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the biopsy device of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the biopsy device taken along line19-19 of FIG. 18.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are schematic view illustrations of oscillation driversaccording to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are side view illustrations of a biopsy device accordingto an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to examples of the presentdisclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Devices of the present disclosure may be inserted through a workingchannel of an elongate member such as, e.g., an endoscope, aureteroscope, a colonoscope, a hysteroscope, a uteroscope, abronchoscope, or a cystoscope, to reach tissue to be biopsied in apatient. In some examples, the tissue to be biopsied may be disposedradially outward of surface tissue defining the body lumen. Once adevice is positioned at an appropriate target area, e.g., adjacent tothe tissue to be collected, a physician may puncture the surface or wallsurrounding a body lumen to access the tissue to be biopsied. Once thesurface tissue has been penetrated, mechanisms may be deployed thatallow the disclosed devices to acquire tissue samples.

A biopsy system 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-4. Biopsy system 100 may includean outer elongate member 102 extending from a proximal end (not shown)toward a distal end 104. The outer elongate member 102 may include alumen 105 extending therethrough, which may receive a biopsy device 106.Biopsy device 106 may include a piercing shaft 108 extending from aproximal end (not shown) toward a distal end 110. A portion of biopsydevice 106, including for example, the proximal end of biopsy device 106may include a braided catheter 107. A piercing tip 112 may be disposedat distal end 110, and may be configured to pierce through varioustissues. The piercing tip 112 may have any suitable piercing or needletip shapes and/or geometries, such as, e.g., a single bevel, multiplebevels, conical, Sprotte, diamond, Franseen, Tuohy, or the like.

Piercing shaft 108 may include one or more openings 114 that extendthrough a circumferential side surface of piercing shaft 108. As shownin FIGS. 2 and 4, piercing shaft 108 includes two openings 114 that areon opposing circumferential sides of piercing shaft 108. It is furthercontemplated that piercing shaft 108 may include only one opening, ormay include additional openings spaced circumferentially from oneanother (e.g., three, four, or more) at evenly or unevenly spacedintervals. The openings 114 may be proximal to the piercing tip 112, andmay extend from a first end 116 to a second end 118. The first end 116may be disposed closer to the proximal end of piercing shaft 108 thansecond end 118, while the second end 118 may be disposed closer to thedistal end 110 of piercing shaft 108 than first end 116. Piercing shaft108 also may include markers 119, such as, e.g., echogenic markers,proximal and distal to openings 114 to help visualize the piercing shaft108 (and particularly first ends 116 and second ends 118 of the openings114) during a biopsy procedure. This may assist in properly positioningopenings 114 at the location of the tissue to be biopsied.

Piercing shaft 108 may include a lumen 120 that extends from itsproximal end toward distal end 110. Biopsy device 106 also may include apush rod 122 that extends and slides within lumen 120. One or more bands124 may be coupled to both a distal end 126 of push rod 122, and to thedistal end 110 of piercing shaft 108. In one example, the one or morebands 124 may be coupled to a proximal portion of piercing tip 112. Thebands 124 may be reciprocally movable between a radially-collapsedconfiguration (FIG. 3) and a radially-expanded configuration (FIG. 2)via actuation of push rod 122. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in theradially-collapsed configuration, the distal end 126 of push rod 122 andthe one or more bands 124 may be disposed within lumen 120. In thisradially-collapsed configuration, distal end 126 of push rod 122 alsomay be disposed proximally of first end 116 of opening 114. At least aportion of each of the one or more bands 124 also may be disposed withinlumen 120 proximal to first end 116. Push rod 122 may be advanceddistally relative to a stationary piercing shaft 108 (or piercing shaft108 may be pulled proximally relative to push rod 122 while push rod 122is held stationary) to cause the one or more bands 124 to move from theradially-collapsed configuration of FIG. 3 to the radially-expandedconfiguration of FIG. 2.

The one or more bands 124 may include any suitable material, such as,e.g., stainless steel, a shape memory material (nitinol, elgiloy or thelike), or another suitable material. In certain examples where band 124includes a shape memory material, band 124 may be prebent into eitherthe collapsed or expanded configurations. In one example, band 124 maybe any suitable wire capable of cutting tissue. For example, band 124may include sharp outer edges. In some examples, band 124 may have anycross-sectional geometry including, but not limited to, square, flat,rectangular, round, semi-circular, and triangular. Furthermore, thecross-sectional geometry of band 124 may vary along its length. Inanother example, band 124 may be configured for electrocauterizationprocedures. For example, band 124 may conduct electricity.Electrocauterization is the process of damaging or destroying tissueusing heat generated by passing an electric current through a conductiveprobe or wire. That procedure may be used for cutting through softtissue. In various examples of the present disclosure, band 124 may beadapted to carry sufficient current to generate the heat required forelectrocautery. Furthermore, band 124 may be able to withstand repeatedheat cycling without developing hot spots and subsequently breakingdown. In some examples, band 124 may include insulation along anyportion or portions. Band 124 may be a single strand of wire, formed assolid or braided material. In addition to being configured to carry anddeliver electrical energy to tissue, other energy sources may beutilized. For example, radio frequency (RF) energy may be applied thoughband 124.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the one or more bands 124 may be coupled toan energy generator 150 via push rod 122 and/or an electricallyconductive member 152. Thus, in some examples, push rod 122 may includean electrically conductive material configured to transmit energy fromenergy generator 150 to the one or more bands 124. Energy generator 150may be any suitable generator known in the art for delivering electricaland/or RF energy. It is also contemplated that push rod 122,electrically conductive member 152, and the one or more bands 124 may beelectrically insulated from other portions of biopsy system 100,including, but not limited to, puncture shaft 108, piercing tip 112,elongate member 102, and handle 140. However, in some examples, piercingtip 112 may be coupled to energy generator 150 or another suitablesource of energy to help piercing tip 112 pierce through tissue viaenergy delivery.

In another example, the band 124 may be a substantially hollow wirehaving one or more holes (not shown) disposed on its surface. Thisarrangement may facilitate additional capabilities, such as irrigation,aspiration, medication delivery, or lubrication, before, during, orafter the cutting process. Band 124 may also comprise abrasive coatingsor projections, such as barbs, saw, or blades, although such protrusionsmay be sized to allow movement of the bands 124 through openings 114.

FIGS. 5 and 6 also show a handle 140 having a housing 142, a subassembly144, and an actuator 146. Subassembly 144 may be coupled to a proximalend of push rod 122, and may move longitudinally within housing 142 totransition biopsy device 100 from the radially-collapsed configurationto the radially-expanded configuration. One or more locking features 148may be disposed on an outer surface of subassembly 144, and may beconfigured to interact with corresponding locking features 151 on aninner surface of housing 142. The interaction of locking features 148and 151 may maintain subassembly 144 in a distal portion of housing 142,which may help keep biopsy device 106 in the radially-expandedconfiguration. Subassembly 144 also may be configured to rotate biopsydevice 106 in order to allow the one or more bands 124 to slice throughtissue.

Actuator 146 may be configured to transfer the necessary rotationalforce to subassembly 144 and biopsy device 106. Actuator 146 may be amechanical mechanism, such as, e.g., a rotatable dial, or may be anelectrically powered motor, for example. Other handles and actuationmechanisms are also contemplated, including, e.g., manually-operatedhandles and mechanisms that cause the longitudinal and rotationalmovement of the bands 124.

One or more portions of biopsy system 100, including, e.g., elongatemember 102, puncture shaft 108, piercing tip 112, among others, mayinclude a lubricious coating. Lubricious coatings include bothhydrophilic and non-hydrophilic polymer materials. In one example, thelubricious coating may be a hydrogel.

A biopsy device 700 is shown in FIG. 7, and may include an outerelongate member 702 that extends from a proximal end (not shown) towarda distal end 704. A lumen may extend through outer elongate member 702(which may be tubular) from its proximal end toward distal end 704. Insome examples, outer elongate member 702 may be substantially rigid andmay be formed from e.g., stainless steel or a shape memory material. Inother examples, outer elongate member 702 may be substantially flexible.An inner elongate member 703 (which also may be tubular) may extendthrough the lumen of outer elongate member 702. Inner elongate member703 may be substantially similar to outer elongate member 702, but mayhave smaller dimensions (e.g., inner elongate member 703 may have asmaller diameter than outer elongate member 702).

A rod 708 may extend through a lumen of inner elongate member 703, and apiercing tip 712 may be disposed at the distal end of rod 708. In someexamples, a wire, cable, or other suitable member may be used instead ofrod 708. Rod 708 and piercing tip 712 may include one or more of thesame features as push rod 122 and piercing tip 112, respectively, as setforth above. Additionally, piercing tip 712 may include aproximally-facing surface 716, which, in at least some examples, may bethe proximalmost surface of piercing tip 712. Piercing tip 712 also mayinclude at least one stepped portion 714 that is longitudinally offsetdistally from the proximally-facing surface 716. The stepped portion 714may receive and/or otherwise cooperate with distal end 704 of the outerelongate member 702. In some examples, stepped portion 714 and distalend 704 of outer elongate member 702 may be magnetically attracted toone another in order to help maintain contact between the outer elongatemember 702 and the stepped portion 714 (which may be ring-shaped) in theclosed configuration of biopsy device 700. One or more bands 724 may becoupled to the distal end of inner elongate member 703, and to aproximal end of piercing tip 712 (e.g., to proximally-facing surface716). The one or more bands 724 may be substantially similar to the oneor more bands 124 described above. In examples where the one or morebands 724 are prebent or otherwise biased into an open,radially-expanded configuration (as shown in FIG. 8), the magneticattraction between the distal end 704 of outer elongate member 702 andstepped portion 714 of piercing tip 712 may help maintain biopsy device700 in the closed configuration.

While in the closed configuration shown in FIG. 7, elongate member 702may be withdrawn proximally to expose the one or more bands 724. Onceelongate member 702 is pulled proximally, rod 708 also may be pulledproximally while the distal end of inner elongate member 703 remainsstationary, causing the one or more bands 724 to move radially outwardto the radially-expanded configuration of FIG. 8.

Biopsy device 700 may be configured to deliver electrocautery, RF, oranother suitable energy to tissue. In one example, push rod 708 may becoupled at its proximal end to an energy source, such as, energygenerator 150 set forth above. Energy generator 150 may deliver energythrough push rod 708 and piercing tip 712 to the one or more bands 724.In another example, piercing tip 712 may not be electrically conductive,and energy may travel from push rod 708 to the one or more bands 724 viaone or more electrically conductive wires (not shown). In yet anotherexample, inner elongate member 703 may be conductive, and may deliverenergy to the one or more bands 724. Outer elongate member 702 may beelectrically insulated from any conductive members of biopsy device 700.

A physician may collect a sample disposed radially outward of a surfacethat defines a body lumen with either biopsy device 106 or biopsy device700 by piercing the surface via a respective piercing tip, while thebiopsy device is in the closed configuration. Then, the respectivebiopsy device may be transitioned from the closed configuration to theexpanded configuration by an actuating mechanism, such as, e.g., handle140 described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Once the one or morebands are radially expanded, they may be rotated to pierce through thetissue to be collected. Once the tissue has been cut, the biopsy devicemay be repositioned to place bands 124 radially outward of the severedtissue, after which bands 124 may be transitioned back to the radiallycollapsed configuration, trapping removed tissue within the device. Asset forth above, the piercing and/or cutting steps may be supplementedby a simultaneous energy delivery from an energy generator to assistwith the piercing and/or cutting.

A biopsy device 900 is shown in FIGS. 9, 9A, and 10. Biopsy device 900may be a biopsy forceps having jaws 902 and 904. In this example, bothjaws 902 and 904 may include a sharpened distal end. A piercing tip 908may be at the distal end of jaw 902. Jaw 902 may include a plurality ofbeveled surfaces 902 y that lead to a sharp distal tip 902 t. In oneexample, at least three beveled surfaces 902 y may form sharpened distaltip 902 t, although other suitable numbers of surfaces are alsocontemplated. A cavity 902 f may be formed in a radially-inward facingsurface of jaw 902, and a protrusion 902 g may be disposed within thecavity 902 f. The protrusion 902 g may have any suitable shape, e.g.,conical, pyramidal, or the like, with a sharp tip extending toward alongitudinal axis 906 and toward jaw 904.

Jaw 904 also may include a plurality of beveled surfaces 904 y and 904 sthat lead to a sharp distal tip 904 t. In some examples, each of thebeveled surfaces 902 y of jaw 902 may have a larger surface area thaneach of the beveled surfaces 904 s and 904 y of jaw 904. Jaw 904 mayinclude a cavity 904 f disposed on a radially-inward facing side. Theentirety of cavity 904 f may be disposed proximal to the flat beveledsurface 904 s. Jaw 904 also may include an opening 904 z incommunication with cavity 904, which may allow fluid within cavity 904 fto escape during tissue acquisition. The opening 904 z may help biopsydevice 900 obtain larger volumes of tissue during biopsy procedures byallowing fluid to escape. Protrusion 902 g may align with and bereceived by opening 904 z.

Referring to FIG. 9A, cavities 902 f and 904 f may form apartially-enclosed volume 915 (with the exception of the opening 904 z)when biopsy device 900 is in the closed configuration. The distal end ofjaw 902 includes a piercing tip 908 when biopsy device 900 is in theclosed configuration. In at least one example, piercing tip comprisesonly jaw 902 as jaw 904 may be received entirely within the body ofbiopsy device 900 in the closed configuration. Thus, when device 900 isviewed from a point along longitudinal axis 906 distal to biopsy device900, jaw 904 may be substantially or completely concealed by jaw 902,and hidden from view. Tip 904 t is not within that view, as a portion ofjaw 902 conceals tip 904 t. This configuration may help reduce forcesacting in the proximal direction when the piercing tip 908 is moveddistally through tissue, and may help reduce the risk that the jaw 904is unintentionally forced into the open configuration when closed, andthe device 900 is moving distally through tissue. The piercing tip 908may have any suitable piercing or needle tip shape, such as, e.g., asingle bevel, multiple bevels, conical, Sprotte, diamond, Franseen,Tuohy, or the like.

Jaw 902 may be fixed, and jaw 904 may be movable relative to jaw 902 viaany suitable actuation mechanism. In the example shown, the actuationmechanism includes a push/pull member 905 movable relative to a clevis907 c. Clevis 907 c may include a longitudinally extending slot 907 ethat slidably receives a pin 907 a. A link 907 may be coupled to pin 907a, and may be configured to rotate about the sliding pin 907 a. Link 907may be coupled to a tang 904 a of jaw 904 at a joint 907 d, and jaw 904may longitudinally fixed to a remainder of biopsy device 900 by a pin907 b. Jaw 904 also may be configured to pivot and rotate about the pin907 b. A slot 907 g may be disposed in an upper portion of clevis 907 c,and through which link 907, joint 907 d, and tang 904 a may move. Whenin the closed configuration shown in FIG. 9A, push/pull member 905 maybe pushed distally, causing pin 907 a to move distally within the slot907 e. The distal movement of push/pull member 905 also may cause link907 to pivot in a first direction about pin 907 a, while jaw 904 pivotsabout link 907 b in a second direction opposite to the first direction,thereby moving biopsy device 900 into the open configuration of FIGS. 9and 10. Push/pull member 905 may be retracted proximally to returnbiopsy device 900 to the closed configuration (or a partially-closedconfiguration if captured tissue prevents the jaw 904 from returning toa fully-closed configuration). Jaws 902 and 904 may open and close byany other suitable mechanisms.

To biopsy tissue disposed radially outward of a body lumen with biopsydevice 900, piercing tip 908 may be extended, while biopsy device 900 isin the closed configuration, distally through tissue surrounding thebody lumen until jaws 902 and 904 are adjacent or in contact with tissueto be sampled. Once the jaws 902 and 904 are close to the target tissue,push/pull member 905 may be extended distally to open jaws 902 and 904.Once opened, jaws 902 and 904 may be pushed forward (distally) to placetissue within jaws 902 and 904, and then jaws 902 and 904 may be used toclamp down on the target tissue. If necessary, jaws 902 and 904 then maybe rotated, twisted, or pulled, to tear the clamped tissue.Alternatively, a sharp rim 904 r that extends from cavity 904 f towardsjaw 902 may be used to sever the target tissue. Rim 904 r may extend atleast partially about the circumference of cavity 904 f, and may beraised above surface 904 s. The presence of protrusion 902 g on jaw 902may help ensure that at least some of the severed tissue remainscaptured by the jaws 902 and 904. In alternative embodiments, tissue maybe severed in vivo by using sharp distal edges of jaws 902 or 904 formedat the intersection of the beveled surfaces. In such examples, the jaws902 and 904 may be used to cut or scrape tissue, and then jaws 902 and904 may be closed around the severed sample.

A biopsy device 1100 is shown in FIGS. 11, 11A, and 12. Biopsy device1100 may be a biopsy forceps having jaws 1102 and 1104. In this example,both jaws 1102 and 1004 may include a sharpened distal end. A piercingtip 1108 (shown in FIG. 11A) may be formed by the distal ends of jaws1102 and 1104. Jaw 1102 may include a plurality of beveled surfaces 1102y that lead to a sharp distal tip 1102 t. In one example, at least twobeveled surfaces 1102 y may form sharpened distal tip 1102 t, althoughother suitable numbers of surfaces are also contemplated. A cavity 1102f may be formed in a radially-inward facing surface of jaw 1102, and aprotrusion 1102 g substantially similar to protrusion 902 g may bedisposed within the cavity 1102 f.

Jaw 1104 also may include a plurality of beveled surfaces 1104 y thatlead to a sharp distal tip 1104 t. Jaw 1104 may include a cavity 1104 fdisposed on a radially-inward facing side. The entirety of cavity 1104 fmay be disposed proximal to another cavity 1104 s. Jaw 1104 also mayinclude an opening 1104 z in communication with cavity 1104 f, which mayallow fluid within cavity 1104 f to escape during tissue acquisition.The opening 1104 z may help biopsy device 1100 obtain larger volumes oftissue during biopsy procedures by allowing fluid to escape.

Referring to FIG. 11A, cavities 1102 f and 1104 f may form apartially-enclosed volume 1115 (with the exception of the opening 1104z) when biopsy device 1100 is in the closed configuration. The distalends of jaws 1102 and 1104 may form a piercing tip 1108 when biopsydevice 1100 is in the closed configuration. Thus, when viewed from apoint along longitudinal axis 1106 distal to biopsy device 1100, aportion of both jaws 1102 and 1104 may be visible such that neither jawcompletely conceals the other jaw in the piercing direction.

While both jaws 1102 and 1104 may form the piercing tip 1108, it iscontemplated that only one of sharp distal tips 1102 t and 1104 t formthe distalmost portion of piercing tip 1108. As shown, distal tip 1102 tof the immobile jaw is the distalmost portion of piercing tip 1108,although distal tip 1104 t of the movable jaw 1104 could be thedistalmost portion in another example. The cavity 1104 s of movable jaw1104 may be configured to receive one or more of the beveled surfaces1102 y. Thus, in the closed configuration, the contours of piercing tip1108 may include portions where beveled surfaces of jaws 1102 and 1104overlap with one another, and other portions are formed by the beveledsurface of only one of the jaws 1102 and 1104. The piercing tip 1108 mayhave any suitable piercing or needle tip shape, such as, e.g., a singlebevel, multiple bevels, conical, Sprotte, diamond, Franseen, Tuohy, orthe like.

Jaw 1102 may be fixed, and jaw 1104 may be movable relative to jaw 1102via any suitable actuation mechanism. In the example shown, theactuation mechanism for jaws 1102 and 1104 may be substantially similarto those discussed with respect to biopsy device 900. Thus, push/pullmember 1105, clevis 1107 c, slot 1107 e, pin 1107 a, link 1107, tang1104 a, joint 1107 d, slot 1107 g, and pin 1107 b may be shaped in asubstantially similar manner, and function in a substantially similarmanner as push/pull member 905, clevis 907 c, slot 907 e, pin 907 a,link 907, tang 904 a, joint 907 d, slot 1107 g, and pin 907 b, as setforth above. Tissue also may be sampled or biopsied in a substantiallysimilar manner as set forth above with respect to biopsy device 900.Alternatively, teeth 1102 h and 1104 h may be used to clamp, pierce, orcut through the tissue.

A biopsy device 1300 is shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A. Biopsy device 1300may be substantially similar to biopsy device 1100 described above,except that both jaws 1302 and 1304 may be movable and pivot relative toa longitudinal axis 1306. Thus, jaw 1302, distal tip 1302 t, beveledsurfaces 1302 y, cavity 1302 f, protrusion 1302 g, jaw 1304, distal tip1304 t, cavity 1304 f, and volume 1315 may be substantially similar tojaw 1102, distal tip 1102 t, beveled surfaces 1102 y, cavity 1102 f,protrusion 1102 g, jaw 1104, distal tip 1104 t, cavity 1104 f, andvolume 1115 described with reference to FIG. 11 above, except that jaw1302 may also include a tang 1302 a.

In the example shown, the actuation mechanism includes a push/pullmember 1305 movable relative to a clevis 1307 c. Clevis 1307 c mayinclude a longitudinally extending slot 1307 e that slidably receives apin 1307 a. Links 1307 and 1310 may be coupled to pin 1307 a, and may beconfigured to rotate about the sliding pin 1307 a. Link 1307 may becoupled to a tang 1304 a of jaw 1304 at a joint 1307 d, and jaw 1304 maylongitudinally fixed to a remainder of biopsy device 1300 by a pin 1308.Jaw 1304 also may be configured to pivot and rotate about the pin 1308.Link 1310 may be coupled to tang 1302 a of jaw 1302 at a joint 1310 d,and jaw 1302 also may longitudinally fixed to a remainder of biopsydevice 1300 by pin 1308. Jaw 1302 also may be configured to pivot androtate about the pin 1308. When in the closed configuration shown inFIG. 13A, push/pull member 1305 may be pushed distally, causing pin 1307a to move distally within the slot 1307 e. The distal movement ofpush/pull member 1305 also may cause link 1307 to pivot in a firstdirection about pin 1307 a, while jaw 1304 pivots about pin 1308 in asecond direction opposite to the first direction. The distal movement ofpush/pull member 1305 also may cause link 1310 to pivot in the seconddirection about pin 1307 a, while jaw 1302 pivots in the first directionabout pin 1308, thereby moving biopsy device 1300 into the openconfiguration of FIG. 13. Push/pull member 1305 may be retractedproximally to return biopsy device 1300 to the closed configuration (ora partially-closed configuration if captured tissue prevents the jaws1302 and 1304 from returning to a fully-closed configuration). Tissuealso may be sampled or biopsied in a substantially similar manner as setforth above with respect to biopsy devices 900 and 1100.

A biopsy device 1400 is shown in FIG. 14. Biopsy device 1400 may includea piercing tip 1402, and a movable arm 1404 disposed proximal topiercing tip 1402. The movable arm 1404 may be movable relative topiercing tip 1402 via any suitable actuation mechanism, such as, apush/pull member 1405 movable relative to a clevis 1407 c. Clevis 1407 cmay include a longitudinally extending slot 1407 e that slidablyreceives a pin 1407 a. A link 1407 may be coupled to pin 1407 a, and maybe configured to rotate about the sliding pin 1407 a. A distal end oflink 1407 may be received within and fixed to a groove 1409 of arm 1404.Arm 1404 may be longitudinally fixed to a remainder of biopsy device1400 by a pin 1408. Arm 1404 also may be configured to pivot and rotateabout the pin 1408. When in a closed configuration shown in FIG. 14A,push/pull member 1405 may be pushed distally, causing pin 1407 a to movedistally within the slot 1407 e. The distal movement of push/pull member1405 also may cause link 1407 to pivot in a first direction about pin1407 a, pushing arm 1404 to pivot about link 1408 in a second directionopposite to the first direction, thereby moving biopsy device 1400 intothe open configuration of FIG. 14. Push/pull member 1405 may beretracted proximally to return biopsy device 1400 to the closedconfiguration (or a partially-closed configuration if captured tissueprevents the arm 1404 from returning to a fully-closed configuration).

In the radially-collapsed configuration of biopsy device 1400 shown inFIG. 14A, movable arm 1404 may be substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis 1406. In a radially-expanded configuration shown inFIG. 14, arm 1404 may be disposed in a position where the proximal endof movable arm 1404 is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis 1406 ofbiopsy device 1400. Thus, movable arm 1404 may be fixed to the body ofbiopsy device 1400 at its distal end, and may pivot about its distalend.

To biopsy tissue disposed radially outward of a body lumen with biopsydevice 1400, piercing tip 1402 may be extended, while biopsy device 1400is in the closed configuration, distally through tissue surrounding thebody lumen until arm 1404 is adjacent or in contact with tissue to besampled. Then, push/pull member 1405 may be extended distally to movearm 1404 to the radially-expanded configuration of FIG. 14. In certainexemplary methods, the entire device 1400 may then be pulled proximallyto place tissue between arm 1404 and a portion of device 1400. Then, arm1404 may be used to clamp down on a target tissue, after which, thebiopsy device 1400 may be rotated, twisted, or pulled, to tear thetargeted tissue. In alternative embodiments, tissue may be severed bysharp teeth or a rimmed surface of arm 1404 or by using sharp distaledges of piercing tip 1402 formed at the intersection of the beveledsurfaces, or may be severed in another suitable manner prior to movingarm 1404 into the radially-expanded configuration. In such examples, arm1404 may be used to clamp down and capture tissue that has already beensevered.

A biopsy device 1500 is shown in FIG. 15. Biopsy device 1500 may includea piercing tip 1502, and movable arms 1504 disposed proximal to piercingtip 1502. Each movable arm may include a gear 1505 disposed at itsdistal end. The movable arms 1504 may be movable relative to alongitudinal axis 1506 via a push/pull member 1520 having one or moregear racks 1522 configured to engage with one or more of the gears 1505.As shown in FIG. 15, push/pull member 1520 includes two gear racks 1522disposed on opposing sides, which are able to actuate two movable arms1504 simultaneously. In the example of FIG. 15, each movable arm 1504may pivot relative to longitudinal axis 1506 to transition between aradially-collapsed configuration (not shown) and a radially-expandedconfiguration (shown in FIG. 15). In the radially-collapsedconfiguration, movable arms 1504 may be substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis 1506. To transition from the radially-collapsedconfiguration to the radially-expanded configuration, push/pull member1520 may be pulled proximally. This proximal movement may cause gears1522 and 1505 to interact and cause movable arms 1504 to pivot abouttheir distal ends, while their proximal ends move radially outward to aposition where the proximal ends of movable arms 1504 are spaced apartfrom the longitudinal axis 1506 of biopsy device 1500. In an alternativeexample, instead of gear racks 1522, push/pull member 1522 may include aspiral shaped gear that wraps around its outer surface, and that engageswith gears 1505 of arms 1504. Tissue may be biopsied with biopsy device1500 by positioning an opened arm 1504 distally of tissue to becollected, and retracting biopsy device 1500 proximally to position thetissue radially between the arm 1504 and the body of biopsy device 1500.Then, arms 1504 may be clamped down on the tissue to secure it. Once thetargeted tissue is clamped, the tissue may be subsequently severed bypulling or rotating biopsy device 1500. Or, sharp edges, rims, or teethon the arms 1504 may sever tissue. Alternatively, arms 1504 may beclamped onto tissue that has already been severed. In one alternativeexample, biopsy device 1500 may include longitudinally staggered arms1504 that are actuated by the same gear rack 1520. Thus, as a singlegear rack 1520 of push/pull member 1522 is moved proximally, it maycooperate with the longitudinally staggered gears at different times.With such an example, biopsy device 1500 may be used to capture tissuein different locations by opening and closing the longitudinallystaggered arms at different times.

A biopsy device 1600 is shown in FIG. 16 that is substantially similarto biopsy device 1600, except that push/pull member 1620 may include aplurality of gear racks 1622 that are longitudinally spaced from oneanother along a push/pull member 1620. The gear racks 1622 may beconfigured to engage longitudinally spaced pairs of movable arms 1604via gears 1605. In the example shown, biopsy device 1600 may beconfigured to actuate longitudinally spaced arms 1604 at the same timevia the placement of multiple longitudinally spaced apart gear racks1620. However, in alternative embodiments not pictured, push/pull member1620 may actuate the longitudinally spaced arms 1604 at separate timesvia one or more gear racks 1620, or by one or more other gear-typemechanisms. Thus, biopsy device 1600 may be used to capture tissue indifferent locations by opening and closing the longitudinally staggeredarms at different times. Movable arms 1604 may otherwise clamp andsecure tissue in a substantially similar manner as set forth above withrespect to movable arms 1504.

A biopsy device having an oscillating needle 1700 is shown in FIG. 17.Oscillating needle 1700 may include a first assembly 1704 and a secondassembly 1706 that each extend from a proximal end of the biopsy device(not shown) to a distal end 1702. First assembly 1704 may include a ringsupport 1707 and a plurality of piercing tips 1708 that extend distallyfrom ring support 1707. As shown in FIG. 17, first assembly 1704includes two piercing tips 1708 that are circumferentially spaced fromone another about a longitudinal axis of oscillating needle 1700, andwhose central longitudinal axes are disposed approximately 180 degreesfrom one another about the longitudinal axis of oscillating needle 1700.However, it is contemplated that first assembly 1704 may include anothersuitable number of piercing tips that may be spaced apart from oneanother at even or uneven intervals. Each piercing tip 1708 may includeany of the piercing shapes or geometries set forth above.

Second assembly 1706 may include a rod 1712 and a plurality of piercingtips 1714 that extend distally from rod 1712. Rod 1712 may extend from aproximal end through a lumen defined by ring support 1707, and distallyof ring support 1707. Rod 1712 may be hollow, and may be coupled to anaspiration source. Rod 1712 may be longitudinally movable relative toring support 1707. Piercing tips 1714 may be substantially similar topiercing tips 1708. In the example shown in FIG. 17, second assembly1706 includes two piercing tips 1714 that are circumferentially spacedfrom one another about the central longitudinal axis of oscillatingneedle 1700, and whose central longitudinal axes are disposedapproximately 180 degrees from one another about the longitudinal axisof oscillating needle 1700. However, it is contemplated that secondassembly 1706 may include another suitable number of piercing tips thatmay be spaced apart from one another at even or uneven intervals.

When first assembly 1704 and second assembly 1706 are assembled as shownin FIGS. 17-19, first assembly 1704 and second assembly 1706 may becollinear, and piercing tips 1708 and 1714 may alternatecircumferentially about the central longitudinal axis, and may be spacedat approximately the same radial distance from the central longitudinalaxis. That is, piercing tip 1708 may be adjacent to at least onepiercing tip 1714. In the example shown in FIG. 17, each piercing tip1708 from first assembly 1704 is circumferentially adjacent to twopiercing tips 1714 from second assembly 1706. Similarly, each piercingtip 1714 may be circumferentially adjacent to at least one piercing tip1708, and in the example shown in FIG. 17, each piercing tip 1714 iscircumferentially adjacent to two piercings tips 1708. The longitudinalside surfaces of adjacent tips 1708 and 1714 may face one another andmay be longitudinally slidable relative to one another. Severed tissuemay collect in an internal lumen or cavity disposed radially inward ofall of the tips 1708 and 1714.

At least one of first assembly 1704 and second assembly 1706 may becoupled to a motor 1740 to drive the oscillation and the relativelongitudinal movement between first assembly 1704 and second assembly1706. In one example shown in FIG. 20, motor 1740 may include an offsetaxle 1752 having an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of oscillating needle. Offset axle 1752 may be coupledto the proximal end of either first assembly 1704 or second assembly1706 via a hinged linkage 1754. An alternative embodiment of motor 1740is shown in FIG. 21, where motor 1740 may be a barrel cam motor havingan axis of rotation that is collinear with the longitudinal axis ofoscillating needle 1700.

To biopsy tissue disposed radially outward of a body lumen withoscillating needle 1700, the distal end 1702 may be disposed adjacent totissue surrounding the body lumen. Once in position, motor 1740 may beactuated to cause first assembly 1704 and second assembly 1706 tolongitudinally oscillate relative to one another. While oscillating,needle 1700 may be extended distally through tissue, severing thetissue, and directing the tissue proximally through the lumen of secondassembly 1706. An aspiration source coupled to the proximal end ofneedle 1700 may further draw the severed tissue proximally through theneedle.

A biopsy device 1900 is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Biopsy device 1900 mayinclude a hollow needle 1902 that extends from a proximal end (notshown) toward a distal end 1904. Distal end 1904 may include a sharpcircular tip for piercing tissue. A piercing member 1906 may extendthrough the lumen of hollow needle 1902, and may be longitudinallyslidable relative to hollow needle 1902. Piercing member 1906 mayinclude a piercing tip 1908 having any of the piercing shapes orgeometries described above, and at least expandable member 1910 thatextends radially outward from an outer surface of the piercing member1906. Each expandable member 1910 may be circumferentially adjacent toat least one opening 1909 disposed through the outer surface of thepiercing member 1906 and in communication with a lumen extending throughthe piercing member 1906.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, piercing member 1906 includes a pluralityof expandable members 1910 and a plurality of openings 1909. Expandablemember 1910 may include a shape memory material that is biased into aradially-expanded condition. Biopsy device 1900 may be reciprocallymovable between a first configuration (shown in FIG. 22) and a secondconfiguration (FIG. 23). In the first configuration, the plurality ofexpandable members 1910 may be constrained within the lumen of hollowneedle 1902, and sit within a corresponding opening 1909, via the innercircumferential surface of hollow needle 1902. Biopsy device 1900 may betransitioned from the first configuration to the second configuration bypulling hollow needle 1902 proximally relative to piercing member 1906,or by pushing piercing member 1906 distally relative to hollow needle1902. Once piercing member 1906 extends distally past the distal end1904 of hollow needle 1902, a constraining force acting on expandablemembers 1910 may be removed, and expandable members 1910 may expandradially outward, exposing openings 1909.

Once expandable members 1910 are in an expanded condition, piercingmember 1906 may be rotated to allow expandable members 1910 to cuttissue, and guide the cut tissue into respective circumferentiallyadjacent openings 1909. Each of the expandable members 1910 may becurved in the circumferential direction and toward an adjacent opening1909 to facilitate severing tissue when the piercing member 1906 isrotated, and also to serve as a guide for the cut tissue into respectiveadjacent openings 1909. Once the tissue has been cut by the expandablemembers 1910 and guided into openings 1909, piercing member 1906 andexpandable members 1910 may be retracted within the hollow needle 1902.An aspiration source may be coupled to a proximal end of biopsy device1900 to move tissue proximally through piercing member 1906, allowingadditional tissue to be captured. In some examples, expandable members1910 may be wing-like flaps that slope proximally and radially-inwardalong an edge 1910 a from an outermost distal point 1910 b. Theproximally and radially-inward facing edge 1910 a may help theexpandable members 1910 compress back to a radially-collapsedconfiguration within the hollow needle 1902, as hollow needle 1902 ridesover edges 1910 a during movement of hollow needle 1902 distallyrelative to piercing member 1906.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations may be made in the disclosed systems andprocesses without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Otherexamples of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosuredisclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only. The following disclosure identifies someother examples.

We claim:
 1. A biopsy device, comprising: a first jaw having a firstdistal tip and a pair of radially-outward facing surfaces forming aradially-outward facing sharp edge in between the pair ofradially-outward facing surfaces, wherein the first distal tip isconfigured to pierce tissue, and the radially-outward facing sharp edgeis configured to sever the pierced tissue; and a second jaw movablerelative to the first jaw between a closed configuration where the firstjaw and the second jaw are axially aligned, and an open configurationwhere the first jaw and the second jaw are offset from one another, thesecond jaw having a second distal tip proximal to the first distal tipin the closed configuration, the second distal tip is configured tosever the pierced tissue when the second jaw moves relative to the firstjaw; wherein a collective width of the first jaw and the second jaw whenin the closed configuration is equal to a width of the first jaw when inthe open configuration.
 2. The biopsy device of claim 1, wherein thefirst jaw is fixed relative to a longitudinal axis of the biopsy device,and the second jaw is movable relative to the longitudinal axis of thebiopsy device.
 3. The biopsy device of claim 1, wherein both the firstjaw and the second jaw are movable relative to a longitudinal axis ofthe biopsy device.
 4. The biopsy device of claim 1, wherein, when viewedfrom a position distal to the biopsy device along a central longitudinalaxis of the biopsy device, the second distal tip is concealed from viewby the first jaw.
 5. The biopsy device of claim 1, wherein, when viewedfrom a position distal to the biopsy device along a central longitudinalaxis of the biopsy device, an entirety of the second jaw is concealedfrom view by the first jaw.
 6. The biopsy device of claim 1, wherein thefirst jaw includes a first cavity facing the second jaw, and the secondjaw includes a second cavity facing the first jaw, the biopsy devicefurther including a protrusion having a sharp distal tip extending froma base of the first cavity toward the second jaw, and an openingdisposed within the second cavity and extending through an outer surfaceof the second jaw and sized to receive the protrusion.
 7. The biopsydevice of claim 6, wherein the second jaw includes a sharp outer rimextending about a periphery of the second cavity, and configured tosever the pierced tissue received within the second cavity when theprotrusion urges the pierced tissue toward the second cavity.
 8. Thebiopsy device of claim 6, wherein the protrusion aligns with the openingand is configured to push the severed tissue at least partially into theopening when the biopsy device is in the closed configuration.
 9. Thebiopsy device of claim 1, wherein the first distal tip isdistally-directed in a first direction and the second distal tip isdistally-directed in the first direction when in the closedconfiguration.
 10. The biopsy device of claim 1, wherein the second jawis radially disposed within the first jaw when in the closedconfiguration such that an assembled profile of the first jaw and thesecond jaw is the same as an outer profile of the first jaw when in theopen configuration.
 11. The biopsy device of claim 10, wherein the firstjaw includes an intermediate cavity configured to receive the second jawwhen the first jaw and the second jaw are in the closed configuration.12. The biopsy device of claim 1, wherein the first jaw includes a firstlength and a first width, and the second jaw includes a second lengthand a second width; and wherein the first length is greater than thesecond length and the first width is greater than the second width. 13.The biopsy device of claim 1, wherein the pair of radially-outwardfacing surfaces terminate at the first distal tip such that each of theradially-outward facing surfaces are tapered toward the first distaltip.
 14. The biopsy device of claim 13, wherein the second jaw includesa pair of second radially-outward facing surfaces that form at least onesecond radially-outward-facing sharp edge at an intersection betweenpair of second radially-outward facing surfaces; and wherein the atleast one second radially-outward-facing sharp edge is configured tosever the pierced tissue punctured by the first jaw.
 15. The biopsydevice of claim 14, wherein each of the radially-outward-facing surfacesof the first jaw has a greater surface area than each of the secondradially-outward facing surfaces of the second jaw.
 16. A biopsy device,comprising: a first jaw having a first distal tip and a plurality ofradially-outward facing surfaces terminating at the first distal tip,wherein the plurality of radially-outward facing surfaces form at leastone radially-outward facing sharp edge at an intersection between eachof the plurality of radially-outward facing surfaces, wherein the firstdistal tip is configured to pierce tissue, and the radially-outwardfacing sharp edge is configured to sever the tissue pierced by the firstdistal tip; and a second jaw having a second distal tip proximal to thefirst distal tip, wherein the second jaw is movable relative to thefirst jaw between a closed configuration and an open configuration, thesecond distal tip is configured to sever the tissue pierced by the firstdistal tip.
 17. The biopsy device of claim 16, wherein the second jaw isradially disposed within the first jaw when in the closed configurationsuch that an assembled profile of the first jaw and the second jaw isequal to an outer profile of the first jaw.
 18. The biopsy device ofclaim 16, wherein the second jaw includes an opening disposed through anouter surface of the second jaw, and the opening is configured to allowfluid received within the second jaw to be released out of the secondjaw via the opening.
 19. A biopsy device, comprising: a first jawhaving: a first distally-directed tip configured to pierce tissue; afirst proximal end including a protrusion configured to grasp tissue,wherein the first distally-directed tip extends transversely relative tothe protrusion; and a first center portion positioned between the firstdistally-directed tip and the first proximal end; a second jaw having: asecond distally-directed tip configured to contact the first centerportion when the first jaw and the second jaw are in a closedconfiguration; and a second proximal end including an opening thatextends through an outer surface of the second jaw, the protrusion beingreceived through the opening to engage tissue positioned between thefirst jaw and the second jaw when the first jaw and the second jaw arein the closed configuration.
 20. The biopsy device of claim 19, whereina collective width of the first jaw and the second jaw when in theclosed configuration is equal to a width of the first jaw when in theopen configuration.